The typical homeowner does not have dedicated area to house a fully functioning workshop; complete with all the tools ready to build a bookshelf, install hardwood floors, or replace door molding. Most homeowners simply have a place in the garage or basement to keep the tools. Regardless of the space available, you can create and maintain a highly efficient place to keep your tools for easy access. So whether you are completing the crown molding project on the ‘honey-do’ list or just fixing a leaky faucet, your tools and hardware can be close at hand.
In the garage, workshop, or basement you can create a highly organized space following a few simple tips:
Tip 1: Maximize your use of vertical space by installing shelves from floor to ceiling. If space permits, you should use shelves that are 12-16 inches in depth to allow enough space for most tool cases to easily fit.
Tip 2: If you are taking advantage of vertical space, be sure to place those tools that are less used on higher shelves and those most often used on middle and lower shelves. The power buffer that you use once every two years to wax the car belongs on the top shelf; but the cordless drill should be within arms reach. In addition, place your larger and heavier tools on the floor below the bottom shelf. This is a great place to store the portable air compressor, portable table saw, and the large cordless tool set.
Tip 3: Think about how you use your tools and hardware. If you rarely carry all of your tools around the house or around the neighborhood to fix things, consider installing a section of pegboard with tool hooks on one of the walls. Installing a section of pegboard directly above the workbench provides a great way to keep tools easily accessible and makes it a lot easier to keep organized. You can even trace out the shape of each tool so you, or anyone else, knows exactly where to return the tool after each use.
Tip 4: Most of us have accrued a random array of small hardware including screws, bolts, nuts, nails, washers, electrical wire nuts, faucet washers, etc. The best way to keep these small items organized is by using small bins which can be purchased at your local housewares or organizing products store and come in a variety of sizes and styles. One type has small pull out drawers which can be attached to the wall surrounding the pegboard area. Another type is more like a brief case with multiple compartments which can be placed neatly on a shelf. Storing your small hardware and hand tools close together will provide easy access to the most needed items for home improvement projects.
Tip 5: Consider filing your tools and hardware. Filing cabinets can provide a perfect storage solution for tools and hardware, and are not just for hanging files any more. Consider re-tasking an old filing cabinet, which is perfect for storing smaller power tools such as the circular saw, drill, and orbital sander. The drawers are great for storing boxes of nails and screws, small cans of paint and stain, and other small hand tools. The adjustable file dividers provide a great way to section off a drawer for multiple tools or to hold your boxes of nails in place.
Tip 6: Consider donating any unwanted tools or hardware. There are some great organizations in the area that accept donations which can be used as a tax deduction. The Habitat for Humanity Restores are a great place to start. It provides great service benefits to the community and helps the environment by keeping items out of landfills.
Do you have cluttered tool storage? Post pics or tell us about it in the comments.
